Recent reports in the F1 scene have brought to light Carlos Sainz’s hesitance to accept Audi‘s contract proposal. Despite the German manufacturer’s persistent interest in recruiting the Spaniard, Sainz remains cautious about committing to a decision hastily.
While some view his approach as risky given the unpredictable nature of the market, Sainz has valid reasons for preferring to wait and observe. Notably, Red Bull, led by Christian Horner, has expressed keen interest in securing Sainz’s talents.
The current frenzy in the driver market is unprecedented, with negotiations intensifying much earlier in the season than usual. Audi has emerged as a significant player in the 2024 market, displaying a desire to finalize their driver lineup sooner rather than later.
However, their eagerness to reach an agreement may stem from Sauber’s attempts to influence Sainz, knowing that other teams are vying for the 29-year-old’s services.
In contrast to the pressure exerted by some teams, Sainz is methodically assessing his options. Joining a team that currently languishes at the bottom of the Championship standings would be less than ideal for the Ferrari driver.
Even with Sauber’s plans to transition into an engine manufacturer by 2026, success is far from guaranteed.
On the other hand, Red Bull’s prospects for the 2025 season appear promising, making their interest in Sainz significant. Sources suggest that Christian Horner is particularly enthusiastic about bringing the Spaniard on board.
Internal tensions within the Red Bull camp are no secret, with the departure of Adrian Newey marking a notable development in their power struggles. While Max Verstappen remains with the team for now, recent remarks from his father, Jos Verstappen, hint at potential instability within Red Bull.
Mercedes, sensing an opportunity, may seek to capitalize on any uncertainty surrounding Verstappen’s future with Red Bull. Christian Horner recognizes the need to secure Sainz’s services as a potential asset, particularly if Verstappen’s tenure with the team becomes uncertain.
In light of these considerations, Horner sees Sainz as both a short and long-term investment for Red Bull. Just as he advocated for Technical Director Pierre Wache to assume a more prominent role following Newey‘s departure, Horner views Sainz as a valuable addition to the team’s roster.
